A lavish funeral for a Mafia mob boss is being defended by the Catholic Church in Rome, saying the Church did not know it would be 'mafia propaganda'.

The press in Italy have been reporting outrage at the funeral of Vittorio Casamonica, who died at the age of 65.

His coffin was paraded in a Gothic horse-drawn carriage whilst a helicopter scattered rose petals from above and an orchestra played music from the film, The God Father.

The funeral was held in the church of San Giovanni Bosco and signs on the wall featured slogans like "You conquered Rome, now you will conquer heaven."

Mr Casamonica had been investigated by Italian police and had been linked to a number of illegal activities.

As a result the Roman Catholic Church is coming under increased pressure to explain the funeral, according to Christian Today.

Rome, Italy, A Mafia Funeral fit for a King,,,,crying women and everything...... pic.twitter.com/amSXBFWvFG

— stephen barber (@Paladano) August 21, 2015

President of the ruling Democratic Party, Matteo Orfini, said: "Never again. Rome cannot be defaced by those who want it to became the set of the Godfather."

Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino, said it was "intolerable that funerals are used by the living to send mafia messages".

This funeral is coming under criticism after Catholic Church did not allow Piergiorgio Welby, who suffered muscular dystrophy, a funeral after his doctor unplugged his life support.

During his own visit to Calabria, a region in southwest Italy, Pope Francis criticised the Mafia's "adoration of evil".

But he added that criminals who repented could be welcomed back into the Church: "Open your hearts to the Lord.

"The Lord is waiting for you and the church will welcome you if your willingness to serve good is as clear and public as your choice to serve evil was."

Auxiliary Bishop Giuseppe Mariante, claimed the procession for Mr Casamonica would not have been allowed if the Church had known what it would turn into.